This week -- Published Dec. 13, 2012

The singer, songwriter, actor and rock 'n' roll revivalist from Stockton steps up his Christmas-season show a few notches, from the 1,100-capacity Fillmore to this 7,000-seat venue.

The Record

Music: Chris Isaak

The singer, songwriter, actor and rock 'n' roll revivalist from Stockton steps up his Christmas-season show a few notches, from the 1,100-capacity Fillmore to this 7,000-seat venue. Of course, Isaak - who released his first live DVD in November - has a natural vehicle. The 56-year-old Stagg High School and University of the Pacific graduate's Christmas album ("Christmas," 2004) is one of the pop-rock era's best. As usual, he'll be supported by his five-man Silvertone band. 8 p.m. Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium, 1111 California St., S.F. $49.50-$125. (800) 745-3000.

"My songs have a different intent," says Zimmerman, a topical folk singer and satirist. "It's not always how many laughs they get but what they're designed to say. People come up to me and say, 'I disagreed with everything you said. But I laughed anyway.' " Once leader of the Foremen (1991-96), the 55-year-old is an unabashed progressive. He and wife Melanie Harby spent much of 2012 composing one song for all 50 states during the presidential campaign election cycle. 7 p.m. Emerson Coffee House, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 2737 Pacific Ave., Stockton. $18. (209) 466-7743.